Pauline Mbangula, whose full name is Thuli Taleninawa M Pauline Mbangula, was born on March 6, 1994, and hails from Grootfontein, Namibia. She spent most of her life in Windhoek, where she completed her basic education. After finishing school, she found employment as a waitress in one of Windhoek’s busiest nightclubs and bars.
- Full Name: Thuli Taleninawa M Pauline Mbangula
- Date of Birth: March 6, 1994 (Age 30)
- Hometown: Grootfontein, Namibia
Over time, Pauline became involved with a Nigerian drug dealer. In September 2024, after a vacation in Brazil with her Nigerian boyfriend, she was reportedly persuaded by him to transport drugs. She ingested 68 capsules of what is suspected to be cocaine before flying to South Africa.
Incident Overview
On September 22, 2024, Pauline Mbangula, a Namibian citizen, was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, after airport security detected drugs in her stomach during routine X-ray screening. The discovery of the drugs led to her immediate arrest.
Arrest at OR Tambo
Upon arriving at OR Tambo International Airport on September 22, 2024, Pauline went through routine airport security checks. The X-ray screening device installed at the terminal detected foreign substances in her stomach, leading authorities to detain her. She was later taken to a hospital, where medical staff assisted her in expelling the capsules of suspected cocaine.
Legal Consequences
Pauline Mbangula now faces serious charges related to drug trafficking. If convicted, she could face up to 25 years in a South African prison. As a mother of one, her arrest has not only impacted her personal life but also brought significant legal challenges.
This case underscores the risks and severe consequences associated with drug trafficking, particularly for those coerced or manipulated into the dangerous practice.
